The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has partnered with the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders to promote Nigeria’s tourism potential as part of activities marking its 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM), themed “Unlocking Nigeria’s Tourism Potential: Strengthening Tour Operators for Sustainable Destination Development.”
Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, NATOP President, Hajia Bolaji Mustapha, said the association’s milestone AGM would bring together tour operators, travel professionals, government agencies, investors, hospitality stakeholders and development partners to chart a new course for sustainable tourism growth in Nigeria.
She described NATOP as the country’s foremost professional body for tour operators, noting that the association has played a key role in promoting domestic tourism, supporting tourism entrepreneurs and positioning Nigeria as a competitive destination.
According to Mustapha, the AGM aims to celebrate a decade of industry leadership, strengthen collaboration among tourism stakeholders, advocate policies that encourage investment, showcase Nigeria’s tourism assets, empower operators through knowledge sharing and promote sustainable tourism practices.
She said the event would further reinforce NATOP’s role in driving innovation, investment, job creation and destination development across the country.
“As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the NATOP Annual General Meeting, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting tourism as a catalyst for economic growth, cultural preservation, youth empowerment and national development,” she said.
Mustapha explained that the association rotates its AGM across states to encourage domestic tourism, revealing that although Enugu was initially selected to host this year’s event, Lagos was chosen because of its leadership in tourism promotion.
Activities lined up for the anniversary include the commissioning of NATOP’s first Lagos secretariat on July 8, a cocktail reception at Provida Hotel, a conference, a Lagos city tour, a members’ retreat, a golf tournament at Ikoyi Club and a gala dinner.
She commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for his administration’s support for the tourism sector, describing Lagos as Nigeria’s leading tourism destination.
Representing the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to tourism development under the THEMES Plus Agenda.
She said tourism and entertainment remain priority sectors for the state, with investments spanning culture and heritage, food tourism, meetings and conferences, beach and leisure, nature and adventure, as well as medical and wellness tourism.
Oyekan-Ismaila also lauded NATOP for opening its Lagos secretariat, describing the move as a significant step towards strengthening the industry.
“We believe in NATOP and appreciate the efforts you put into promoting our culture, heritage, cuisine and tourism destinations. Nigeria’s tourism assets are invaluable, and we must continue to preserve and promote them,” she said.
The anniversary celebration is supported by Air Peace, RwandAir, The Flyzone Tourism, Westview Tours Ltd, Tour Brokers International, TASCON Plastic Industries Ltd, Parts Central Ltd, LASWA, Ikoyi Club, Diamond and Pearls, Royal Caribbean, WABKTAN, AITEC World and KAM Holding.
Also present at the briefing were the Chairman of the AGM 2026 Planning Committee, Joy Alexander-Oziegbe, NATOP Secretariat Project Manager, Uche Chinonso, and other members of the association.
